Usually, cats do not need a bath as they are excellent groomers. But sometimes, adventurous cats pick up dirt, roll on stinky floors, or catch parasites while exploring the outside world. There could be litter box accidents or the inability to groom due to sickness and old age. Even though cats hate water, they hate being unclean even more. So, when there is a need for bathing, you should be prepared to bathe your cat without traumatizing her.

HOW DO CATS BATHE USUALLY?

Cats are great at grooming. You must have seen your cats sitting in the corner of your room and using the tiny spines on their tongues to clean themselves methodically. Cats use their sharp nails, teeth, and rough tongues to remove unwanted stuff from their coat. The process goes on for a long time till something else catches their fancy. Such long sessions of grooming help cats keep themselves clean, regulate body temperature, smooth their coat, and prevent hairballs.

Please note: Beware of compulsive grooming. If the cat grooming sessions go on for way too long, it could be a behavioral or health issue. Visit a veterinarian soon to rule out any concerns.

WHEN SHOULD YOU BATHE YOUR CAT?

Despite being great at grooming, cats sometimes get involved in situations that demand better cleaning – cleaning that cannot be done using their nails, teeth, and tongues. Furry cats find it difficult to keep their butt clean all the time. Sick cats might end up vomiting on themselves. That’s when you come into the picture to bathe your cat.

Your veterinarian might also recommend medicated baths for treating cat health conditions, such as ringworm or severe flea allergies. Senior cats with conditions like arthritis or obesity are not always able to groom well and might need you to bathe them frequently.

Bathing cats requires patience. You cannot pick up cats and submerge them in a tub full of water. If you do that, you won’t live to tell the tale as cats might get traumatized and scratch you to death (exaggerating!) It’s not good for the cat or you.

We have put together some tips to help you bathe your cat safely. These are easier said than done, but if you win your cat’s trust and prioritize safety, your cats might make the journey easier for you.

TIPS & STEPS TO BATHE YOUR CAT SAFELY

Prerequisites – Things to consider and act on months before giving your cat a bath

Get the routine right by consulting a veterinarian: Does your cat need bathing? Which shampoo to use? How to go about it? What medications should you administer in case of a health concern? All these questions your vet will be able to answer. So, visit a vet to customize the bathing sessions according to your cat’s needs.

Trim your cat’s toenails regularly: Cats can use their claws to defend themselves if you force them to take a bath. Safely trimming those sharp toenails will reduce the possibility of injury. Use a well-designed clipper like PetVogue Dog Nail Cutter to cut their nails without injuring the pink stripe on the base of their nails.

Get rid of extra fur regularly: This is not a one-time task. It would be best if you make it a practice to use a good brush to remove all the extra fur. We use Wooflix Professional Dematting Deshedding Comb Tool for Pet Grooming – so far, the results are excellent. My furry cats enjoy getting groomed with this comb as it does not hurt them in any way and also feels good on their skin. It’s like another massage session for the cats.

Tools required to bathe a cat:

• Cat-specific shampoo (with a creme rinse to retain natural oils)
• Container for rinsing
• Lukewarm Water
• Soft cloth
• Cotton balls
• Rubber gloves
• Rubber mat
• Treats
• A gentle sprayer/a non-breakable glass/shower cup
• Another human of the family your cat loves
• A sizeable dry towel with cat-friendly fragrances for soothing your cat

Prep your cat for bathing: Do not suddenly put your cat in water. Familiarize her with the container first. Get your cat to visit the tub or sink regularly. Place her in the container without turning on the faucet. If they stay for a short time, offer treats to reinforce the behavior. Do this several times (maybe four times a week) before you plan to bathe your cat.

The Bathing Day 

Get assistance: Choose another family member your cat loves to assist you with bathing the cat. In their presence,

1. a) the cat will feel secure
2. b) the process will be more manageable
3. c) in case of injuries, there will be someone to handle the cat

Keep all the tools handy: The abovementioned tools should be within easy reach. Else, you will end up struggling with the cat without having access to tools that can calm down your cat.

Choose the right time: Trying to bathe your cat when she is super active will not help. Instead, when your cat has had a satisfying meal or has played enough, she will be in a lighter mood. It will be a good time to give her a bath without struggling too much.

Fill lukewarm water in at least two tubs beforehand: Running water will scare the cat. Do not turn the faucet on when your cat is in the container. Do it beforehand to avoid panic situations.

Place a rubber mat on the surface of the container: A rubber mat will save the cat from slipping and getting hurt. She will get a better grip and control, thus reducing the panic.

Place your cat (facing forward) onto the rubber mat: The prep work will help here as your cat is already familiar with the container, so she might not resist it much. However, if your cat tries to jump off, speak to her in a loving voice and try to keep her in the container, facing forward so she doesn’t get to scratch you easily. 

Pour water onto your cat: Gently pour water. Go slow as your cat will start resisting water. Hold her well (the grip shouldn’t be too tight nor too loose) and continue pouring water. Soak your cat thoroughly with water.

Apply cat-friendly shampoos: Use cat-friendly shampoos like Beaphar Macadam Cat Shampoo or Himalaya Erina-EP Tick and Flea Control Shampoo as these are specifically formulated for cats. Start working from neck to tail. Give your cats a good rub down, massaging the shampoo on their hair and skin. Cats like massages. So, if you are in the practice of regularly massaging your cats, it might help during bathing as well and give your cats some peace and solace.

Do not apply shampoo on the face: Skip the face part completely. You do not want the shampoo to be accidentally consumed by the cat or enter their eyes! Instead of using shampoo, you can always clean your cat’s face with a warm towel.

Rinse your cat properly: Clean the groin areas. Pay special attention to unreachable places like between the toes, armpits, etc. Use sufficient lukewarm water to get all the shampoo off your cat’s skin and fur. Do a thorough job here. You don’t want your cat to lick off the shampoo residue, right? It might also irritate their skin, so ensure all the shampoo is removed even if it takes more effort to keep your cat in one place.

Wrap your cat in a large towel and bring her to a clutter-free and warm area: Do not keep the AC or fan on while drying your cat. Ensure placing your cat in a warm and clutter-free environment.

Dry off your cat thoroughly with a large towel: I have seen some cat parents using a hair dryer on cats. If your cat does not show any signs of hatred, go ahead and use a hair dryer at a very low speed and temperature. But most cats hate it. So, use a towel instead. While holding her with the towel, start rubbing her vigorously until she is completely dry. You might want to add cat-friendly aromas to the towel to calm down your cat.

Use treats to reinforce the behavior: By now, some cats would be upset while others might have loved the massage. Offer treats to your cats for completing the bathing journey. If she is not interested, let her be, but observe her activities to note any changes in behavior.

DOS AND DON’TS FOR A POSITIVE CAT BATH ROUTINE

• Consult your veterinarian about your cat’s needs to establish the best routine.
• Never use a shampoo meant for humans. It can contain substances that could irritate your cat’s skin.
• Do not suddenly put your cat in water. They might get terrified.
• You can try using hair dryers, but usually, cats hate them, so it’s better use large and soft towels.
• Use shampoo twice, only if necessary. Usually, you will find a decent job done in a single use.
• Dry off your cat thoroughly in a warm environment.
• Use aromatherapy to calm down your cat, if she is panicking too much.
• Observe your cat’s behavior after the bathing is done.
• Provide treats, love, and attention to strengthen your bond with your cat.